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Parent Support Programs

NEW PARENT PROGRAM

New Parent Booklets
These booklets of information are distributed free of charge to hospitals, medical offices and the agencies serving the intellectual disabilities community in our six county service area. We are also happy to provide the booklet to members of the public upon request. They contain accurate and up to date information about resources in our community for families who are expecting or have just had a new baby with Down syndrome. They also include a referral form for the healthcare provider to complete and return to our office when a pack is distributed. This information is available in English and Spanish.

For more information, please call the office at (559) 228-0411 or send us an e-mail at pd@dsacc.org

First Visit GiftEvery new baby with Down syndrome who visits our office with a parent, family member or guardian is presented with a beautiful hand crocheted baby blanket created by one of our dedicated volunteers. In addition, they are provided with two books, Babies with Down Syndrome and Gifts. The gift bag also includes a beginner sign language book and a binder designed to help organize healthcare information for the new baby. These gifts are available in English and Spanish.

For more information, please call the office at (559) 228-0411 or send us an e-mail at pd@dsacc.org

Third ThursdayHeld monthly on the day it is named after! Third Thursday is held in Visalia. This is a time for parents with children, typically under five, to get together and share stories, resources and simply be in a place with their children where they don’t have to explain themselves! An attempt is made to schedule a speaker at each meeting who gives an informal talk about issues relating to Down syndrome.

For more information, please call the office at (559) 228-0411 or send us an e-mail at pd@dsacc.org

Fresno Play GroupHeld every 5-6 weeks in the Fresno area- check the newsletter and our website: events/other for upcoming locations and times. This is a time for parents with children, typically under five, to get together and share stories, resources and simply be in a place with their children where they don’t have to explain themselves! An attempt is made to schedule a speaker at each meeting who gives an informal talk about issues relating to Down syndrome.

For more information, please call the office at (559) 228-0411 or send us an e-mail at pd@dsacc.org

Parents Reaching Out (PRO)This group of parents is trained to tell their story to different audiences ranging from new parents to students to healthcare providers. All of the parents are informed about the laws in place for people with disabilities and local and national resources available in many areas. They do not refer or provide recommendations, but are trained solely for support. Family experience and perspective are relayed in an attempt to help their audience understand what it is like to live with and raise a child with Down syndrome. This group also presents to healthcare providers and educators who may not have experience with families living with a loved one who has a disability. Their talks are geared for their audiences and are designed to provide support and give insight regarding life with a person with Down syndrome. PRO also acts as community liaisons to healthcare facilities whose staff members utilize various components of our New Parent Program. They are available to keep the facility supplied with appropriate materials and support families who are referred by staff.

Are you looking for a chance to be more involved? We would love to have your help as a PRO Member. If you have a child with Down syndrome and would like to help other parents, please call us to sign up for our training. Or maybe you’re a new parent of a child with Down syndrome and would like to talk with one of our experienced parents. We want to hear from you too and meet your family! For more information, please call the office at (559) 228-0411 or send us an e-mail at pd@dsacc.org

Parent2Parent Support Group

This new (all ages) group offers emotional support, insight, and understanding to parents of children with special needs. The group will meet the first Wednesday of every month from 7-9pm at the DSACC office, 1491 W Shaw Avenue Fresno, CA 93711. Meetings will be led by Carolyn Tellalian, LCSW and an occasional guest speaker. Childcare can be provided if notified at least 5 days in advance of meeting.